Two kids under the age of two plus a full-time job equals an eternal ponytail, stock in under-eye concealer, and less time for my blog. But this is changing…
Because…
I got a book deal! I’m thrilled to announce that my kids’ craft book will be published by Artisan in the Spring of 2014. I’m thrilled/proud/crazed/nervous/giddy about their enthusiasm for my work. (Artisan has published books by the amazing Design*Sponge, Thomas Keller, Lucinda Scala Quinn, the Novogratz’, and Susan B. Anderson. I am in humbling company.)
This means that I am now working full-time on my book, but I have remained at Parents as a contributing editor, so you will likely still see my name (and doodles) on the pages of the best parenthood publication around (if you haven’t seen it lately, pick up a copy…it looks better than ever!).
This also means that my blog will come back to life with new ideas, observations, and musings over crafting, motherhood, and any place where those two things mingle.
I’m happy to be back in action and hope that my readers will find their way back!
For some reason—with designer everything—no one has ever thought to make designer tents. These tents by Field Candy are just that. Unless you are camping in a spot with grizzly bears, why not have a tent that stands out?
Now is the time to figure out what the Halloween costume deal is going to be this year. It’s a tough one, and I can now say that I know this first hand being a mom now. I do hear it gets even harder when kids actually start to have an opinion. I’m going to enjoy what is probably my last year of full costume control with Oliver.
If crafting is not your thing, you don’t have to resort to the vinyl costumes in a bag. Check out these stylish costume ideas that will last for years in the dress up bin…
Kalon studios, the amazing company that makes Oliver’s crib, is selling these gorgeous handmade masks by Amelia McIsaac. All five designs have been handmade from wool from Ameila’s own sheep and plant-dyed from her own garden.
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Have you seen these amazing rugs by Youlka Designs of France? They are pure eye candy, and I’m sure any kids would just love to take all the pieces out (and never put them back in!). So while I’m tempted, I think it’d be a housekeeping nightmare.
I love it when I find a DIY project that truly looks like it can be sold in a store. I live and breathe kids’ crafts on a daily basis, so it is so refreshing to see something so polished, stylish, and useful.
Amy from the b-line came up with these amazing felt storage bowls that can be large to hold toys or small to hold paperclips. And check out her tutorial. You’ll die over how easy they are! Look at this detail:
I’m sitting at my desk, next to a bag full of brochures, business cards, and line sheets from both the Stationery Show and the ICFF. So just to wet your appetite with all the goodies that I will be reporting on in the coming week, I’ll pick the first thing that hits my fingertips to share with you. And it’s an owl lamp.
This moody light by Contra Forma is playful and elegant at the same time. It would work in a kid’s space or any other for that matter.
I saw this hot air balloon craft by Curly Birds on B-Kids, and it inspired me to look for more!
I love the idea of upcycling light bulbs or drink bottles into hot air balloons. These artful creations are by Souther Salazar. Found via What Possessed Me.
I love this paper folding technique and it works so well for this hot air balloon mobile. Made by Brown Accents.
I know we just passed Mother’s Day and there really is no gift-giving holiday in the very near future, but I thought these wrapping ideas all using butcher paper were post-worthy.
Love confetti; hate the mess. But if I got a gift wrapped like this, I’m not sure I’d even open it. From Tokketok.
Use a date stamp to make a graphic pattern on solid paper. I love the thought of stamping someone’s birthday all over their package. Visit Paper, Plate, and Plane for more photos and instructions. (Colored ink might give it more pizzazz. Just sayin’.)
Here is the ultimate intersection of work and life…Oliver’s nursery in the June issue of Parents magazine! Take a look and visit Parents.com for more photos and craft instructions. (Caravan Crib from Kalon Studios, Mountain Wallpaper from Fine Little Day, El Shelves from CB2, Blue Nesting Tables from Areaware)
His curtains may be my favorite thing in the room. The fabric is from Ikea and I made the straps with belt material, overall buckles, and buttons.
I can’t focus on much else besides Oliver in this pic! The drawer pulls are vintage wooden yoyos and the mobile is made out of paper punched circles and an embroidery hoop. (Flash Cards from 3 Potato 4)
His rug is by Flor…they actually sell a kit where you cut the squares to form a bear skin rug. Check out the video of me and Michael (with Oliver as spectator) “cutting the rug!” (Settee from Urban Outfitters, Green side table from West Elm, Elephant lamp and mushrooms from Acorn)
I turned a trashed school chair into a smiley monkey for when he gets a little bigger. You can download the templates for the chair here.
I bravely tackled making my own version of this yarn light fixture. It was a process to say the least, but I love it!
My mom and her friends from the Cast-On Cottage in Atlanta (a knitting and needlepoint store) knitted this awesome pennant for us. (Owl Pouch from Giddy Giddy)
These pillows from Vintage Jane (on Etsy) sit on the little settee next to Oliver’s crib. I call them “his friends.” He smiles at them when I dry him off after bathtime. (Get this…they are only $22!!)
Have you ever found yourself on a street corner or in a car trying desperately to refold a map, bending it this way, then that, accordian folding, then just shoving it closed? And days later, you end up with a hole in the center on the seam. Nice.
This map is the best invention ever! All you do is crumple/shove/stuff it in your bag or pocket and keep moving. It looks like its made from Tyvek-like material. Oh yeah, and it’s totally waterproof.
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